Winemaker Social with Greg Graziano

For a few years now we've been pouring the Monte Volpe Primo Rosso, a Mendocino red showcasing Zinfandel, Dolcetto, Carignane, Negromaro and Petite Sirah. This wine retails for just $11 before Cru discount and always blows people away that its so affordable. Especially given it spends two years in oak as well!

Greg loves the grapes of the Piedmont as well as those more well know to American audiences. We'll be pouring a fun flight of his Arneis (yes, an American Arneis!!) for a white, then also his Pinot Meunier, his Barbera and the now famous Primo Rosso. 

So come on out Thursday May 17th from 6-8pm to have a flight of Greg's wine, listen to some live music and visit with one of the most fun characters in the industry today! All wines will be for sale at a discount in the Cellar that night as well!

In 1986, after graduation from UC Davis., Greg became the winemaker for the esteemed La Crema Winery in Sonoma County. At La Crema, Greg quickly became known for his bold and complex styling which put La Crema into the forefront as one of the top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers in the industry. These wines were featured at the White House and at the Moscow Summit. In 1988, Greg and his wife Trudi started their own winery, the Graziano Family of Wines. The first two brands were established; Saint Gregory (producing Burgundian-styled wines) and Monte Volpe (specializing in Italian grape varieties from Central and Southern Italty). During the start-up period, Greg also served as a winemaker for Hidden Cellars, where he created the luxurious Sauvignon Blanc “Alchemy”. Now Greg manages his family's acreage in Mendocino, making un-pretentious wines that are remarkable good value across the entire lineup!

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Orchard Wine Cellar Movers and Shakers This Week

  • Tintero Moscato

    #1 Tintero Moscato

    Sori Gramella refers to the one of the only single vineyard Moscatos, and Marco is the only producer to bottle this striking limestone amphitheater commercially. Once the 30 year old vines give up their bounty, and the grapes are harvested and pressed, they are kept in stainless steel at a low temperature to prevent fermentation until an order is received in order to provide the freshest wine possible.
    (Holding the #1 spot)

  • tip top old fashion

    #2 tip top old fashion

    (behind by 10 bottles)

  • Sweet Sunset Chocolate Merlot

    #3 Sweet Sunset Chocolate Merlot

    First lets say that this is Not ChocoVine. This wine is actually made with eighty five percent Merlot and than has natural chocolate cream added to the mix. This is the wine for anyone looking for sweet red or the chocolate lover at home. Great gift for the holidays. (behind by 21 bottles)

  • Peter Adler Auslese Riesling

    #4 Peter Adler Auslese Riesling

    An amazing value for Auslese (certified ripeness) fruit from Germany's Mosel River Valley. Classic light petroleum and mineral nose yet flavor sweet and soft with hints of apricots and vanilla cake. A great German staple with pork of all kinds and cheeses from soft Brie to hard Gouda. (behind by 17 bottles)

Fun New Arrivals

  • Miquel Pons 77 Xarelho

    Miquel Pons 77 Xarelho

    Paying homage to Miquel Pons who has 77 harvests under his belt is this delicious Xarel·lo. Handpicked and aged in French barrels with generous lees treatment, this is Xarel-lo like none we ever had. Gorgeous earthy acidty wrapped in creamy texture and ample oak. If you are a Cali chard drinker, prepare to have your heart broken by this Spanish seductress!

  • A.D. Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon

    A.D. Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon

    This four grain whiskey uses a blend of rye, wheat and barley sourced from the Colorado Malting Company, and corn from Briess Malting in Wisconsin - encompassing the "mother grains" of bourbon. The whiskey ages about 3 years, all year round to capture the seasonal nuances from the ever-changing Colorado mountain air, in new, 53 gallon charred oak barrels source from Independent Stave Company.

  • Chateau Redortier Beaumes de Venise

    Chateau Redortier Beaumes de Venise

    Wine geeks know of Gigondas and Vacqueras that show off Grenache like no other. Bordering both is Beaumes de Venise which is known for fortified Muscat. On a steep hillside (at 1500 ft!) twin sisters Sabine and Isabelle make this earthy, spicy blend of Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. A gorgeous wine.

  • Poseidon Pinot Noir

    Poseidon Pinot Noir

    From vineyards with a view of the bay comes this well balanced, lively and delicious Pinot Noir. A easy drinking, medium-bodied wine showing off some rare and black pepper spiced Hungarian oak to balance the raspberry aromas and flavors.